Photo: Supplied / Southern Lakes SanctuaryConservationists in Otago are celebrating the return of whio to the Rees Valley after more than 50 years. Southern Lakes Sanctuary staff spotted a pair of the endangered blue ducks on a recent trip to install a new trapline in the valley, north of Glenorchy. "Our staff were lucky enough to be watching a pair of takahē feeding beside a pair of whio on the river. Takahē were released in the Rees Valley last year but the whio had returned of their own accord, Kavanagh said. Photo: Supplied / Southern Lakes SanctuaryIris Scott, who has lived at Rees Valley Station for more than 50 years, said it had been a personal dream to see whio return.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 25, 2026 07:23 UTC